Chris Ritter - Associate Pastor

In your own words describe what you do here at Harvest.

I have several areas of ministry responsibility, including small groups, youth ministry, and men’s ministry. I also serve in areas of finances, technology, preaching, and carrying out the vision of Harvest on every level we can.

Why did you want to be on staff at Harvest?

I was at Harvest 9 months prior to coming on staff, so it was plenty of time for me to see that this would be a place I would grow spiritually and be challenged to grow as a leader and use my God-given gifts for his glory. I knew Scott was someone I could follow as a pastor, having gotten to know and respect him personally over that time. And I knew enough of the Harvest Bible Chapel model to know there would be plenty for me to do and enjoy as a staff member.

What experience, education, and/or work background do you bring with you to Harvest?

I graduated with a BA in philosophy and theology, and then got an MDiv from Western Seminary (2013). After college, I served over 4 years as a youth pastor at a church in Rocklin, not long after it was started. So the “from the ground up” model was something I was well accustomed to in my previous experience.

What are you most passionate about when it comes to ministry?

It is a tremendous joy to see people growing in their relationship with Jesus and to see the Body of Christ operating well. To see people love one another and the world around them, to excitedly and passionately invite people to Harvest, and to worship Christ with all our lives always stirs my passion for him more and more.

What could we find you doing on your days off?Most of my days off are spent with my family. My wife Noelle and I have a 3 year old boy, Colton, and another one on the way coming this fall. Colton and I wrestle a lot, and he is into anything with a ball – golf, basketball, soccer, tennis – if he can hit it or throw it, we do it. Besides that and doing things around the house, Noelle and I enjoy cooking great meals and occasionally enjoy wine tasting locally.

What's one thing someone would be surprised to know about you?

Many people do not know that my mother passed away of cancer when I was 16 years old. She was a tremendous woman of God, and I miss her dearly, but I also have come to see the myriad of ways God has used that experience in my life to display his faithfulness and to form me into the pastor I am today.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you want to go and why?

Well assuming money is no option, I would travel up and down the wine regions of France and stay in as many castles as I could along the way.

What teachers/theologians have been influential in your life?

The list is long, but if I chose some that quickly come to mind it would be John Piper, Tim Keller, Matt Chandler, Gerry Breshears, and Ravi Zacharias.